Bearcats are #3 in Golfstat Rankings; Whitman Classic Moves to Oct. 23-24

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Four strong tournaments into the 2022-23 men's golf season, Willamette University has moved up to #3 in the Golfstat Team Rankings through tournaments on Oct. 17. The Bearcats were ranked #7 a week ago. The Team Rankings are based on several statistical categories, including comparative win-loss record, adjusted scoring average, strength of schedule, and tournament victories.

Part of Willamette's high ranking was due to the Bearcats holding the top adjusted scoring average (lowest) at 72.33 for par 72 courses. In addition, Willamette was listed at #3 with a 93.80% relative percentage against other teams.

Emory University (Ga.) advanced from #4 up into the #1 ranking with a top-ranked 95.70% relative percentage and the second-best adjusted scoring average at 72.46. Methodist University (N.C.) remained at #2 with a 94.00% relative rating and a 72.82 adjusted scoring average. After Willamette at #3 was Piedmont University (Ga.) at #4 with a 93.70% rating and a 72.83 adjusted scoring average. Wittenberg University (Ohio) was ranked #5 at 93.70% for its relative percentage and a 72.60 adjusted average.

University of Redlands (Calif.) held the #6 ranking with a 93.70% rating and a 72.76 adjusted scoring average. Christopher Newport University (Va.), ranked #1 a week ago, slipped to #7 this week with a 93.00% relative percentage and a 72.88 adjusted scoring average. Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.) was listed at #8 at 93.40% for its rating and at 73.13 for its adjusted average. LeTourneau University (Tenn.) followed at #9 with a 91.40% relative percentage as well as a 73.69 adjusted scoring average. Illinois Wesleyan University was #10 with a 91.10% rating and a 73.00 adjusted scoring average.

Willamette was the only Northwest Conference team in this week's Top 25 of the Golfstat rankings. The Bearcats are set to return to action at the Whitman Confluence Classic in Walla Walla, Washington, which has been rescheduled from Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22-23 and will now be played on Sunday and Monday, Oct. 23-24. The tournament will begin with 18 holes on Sunday at Veterans Memorial Golf Course, starting at 11 a.m. (PDT) and will conclude with 18 holes on Monday at Wine Valley Golf Club, starting at 9 a.m. (PDT).